apologize
[verb]
Synonyms: say sorry, ask forgiveness, beg pardon, express regret

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

a‧pol‧o‧gize S2 (also apologise British English) /əˈpɒlədʒaɪz $ əˈpɑː-/ verb [intransitive]
to tell someone that you are sorry that you have done something wrong ⇒ apologetic:
I’m so sorry, I do apologize.
apologize to
I think you should apologize to your brother.
apologize for (doing) something
He later apologized for his behaviour.
I apologize for losing my temper.

REGISTER
In everyday English, people often use the phrases say (you are) sorry or tell someone you are sorry, rather than apologize (to somebody):
■ I've already apologized to him. ➔ I’ve already told him I'm sorry.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

apologize
verb
ADV. sincerely | profusely He apologized profusely for the damage he had caused.
humbly I do apologize most humbly.
publicly
VERB + APOLOGIZE ought to, should | want to, wish to, would like to I would like to apologize most sincerely for any embarrassment caused.
PREP. for She apologized for being late.
to He apologized to his colleagues.
PHRASES I do/must apologize I must apologize for cancelling our meeting at such short notice.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

apologize
verb
1.
BAD: The waiter was made to apologize my father.
GOOD: The waiter was made to apologize to my father.
BAD: He apologized her for the long delay.
GOOD: He apologized to her for the long delay.

Usage Note:
apologize to sb : 'The US has apologized to Britain for the accident that cost nine lives.'

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2.
BAD: She insisted on apologizing her husband's behaviour.
GOOD: She insisted on apologizing for her husband's behaviour.
BAD: I apologize that I can't come to the wedding.
GOOD: I apologize for not being able to come to the wedding.

Usage Note:
apologize (to sb ) for (doing ) sth : 'I'd like to apologize for causing you so much trouble.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲